Cruel Way: A John Murray Journey

Ella Maillart and Annemarie Schwarzenbach set off on an epic drive from Geneva to Kabul in 1939, partly to escape the coming war in Europe. The two women's close but often troubled relationship takes center stage in the narrative, as they encounter breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and nomadic peoples. The Cruel Way is a gripping, lyrical, and deeply empathetic portrait of places, people, and friendship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton General Division

Ella Maillart, an intrepid explorer and author, embarked on an extraordinary expedition in 1939, accompanied by journalist and photographer Annemarie Schwarzenbach. Their journey began in Geneva and traversed through regions where European women were scarce, partly as a means of evading the impending war in Europe. However, Schwarzenbach was grappling with a devastating morphine addiction, which cast a shadow over their closely intertwined yet often tumultuous relationship. As the expedition unfolded, they encountered awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient ruins, and nomadic communities, painting a captivating, poetic, and profoundly empathetic portrayal of the places, people, and bonds they encountered. This captivating narrative is now brought together for the first time, alongside excerpts from Annemarie Schwarzenbach's parallel account, titled "All the Roads are Open," providing a comprehensive and immersive perspective on this remarkable journey.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529379785